It has been an Urdd Eisteddfod to remember for Brecon and Radnorshire schools as they win a haul of medals on the national stage following an exceptionally high standard of performances.

The region won 12 medals at Europe's largest youth festival; half of which were won on stage at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay.

Lydia Brandreth, 11, from Crossgates CP School, won a third-place medal for her performance of 'Antur' (adventure in Welsh) in recitation competition for Welsh learners.

"As a school we are very proud of Lydia and what she has achieved," said headteacher Lisa Williams.

"To see a Welsh learner take to the stage with such confidence and ability is inspiring."

County Times: Lydia Brandreth, 11, from Crossgates CP School with her bronze medalLydia Brandreth, 11, from Crossgates CP School with her bronze medal

Ysgol Calon Cymru, a school which has only existed for less than a year, won five medals at the cultural event in the Welsh capital.

Elin Bolland and Amy Cromie won first place in the instrumental duet competition for Year 13 and younger. Their Waltz piano duet by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff was judged the best in Wales for 2019. Last year, Elin and Amy won second place in the same competition when the event was hosted at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Eifion Davies walked away with an Urdd Eisteddfod medal for the second consecutive year in the percussion competition. His drumming skills earned him a third-place medal in Year 10 and under 19 years old category.

The school said: "We are extremely proud of all pupils that competed at the Eisteddfod and grateful for the dedication of our staff, including the visiting peripatetic staff and parents for their continued support."

County Times:  Eifion Davies, Elin Bolland, Amy Cromie, Bran Davies and Maisy Wilcocks Eifion Davies, Elin Bolland, Amy Cromie, Bran Davies and Maisy Wilcocks

In the Arts and Crafts competition, Bran Davies' jewellery set consisting of a bee-themed bracelet, necklace and earrings was judged the best. He won first place in the Year 10 and under 19 years old category. A series of coloured photographs of sheep in the snow created by Maisy Wilcocks earned her a third-place medal at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod. Sofia Evans Luna, from Builth Wells Primary School, won first place for her drawing work for Year 5 and 6. Parti Osian from Ysgol Trefonnen C. in W. Community Primary School won third place in the Weaving competition for Year 3 and 4.

Rhiannon Walker, from Urdd Brychieniog a Maesyfed said it was “privilege” to see one of the primary pupils competing on the Eisteddfod stage in the recitation competition for learners.

“I am very pleased once again for all those who competed in this year's Eisteddfod and I am very grateful to the teachers, instructors and parents for giving their time to support the children of Brecon and Radnorshire.

She added: “Without their support we will not be able to give all the opportunities to children and young people in Wales.”

Brecon and Radnorshire end the year in 16th place after winning 12 medals, including five first places, at the Urdd Eisteddfod 2019.